Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Prevalence of Mastitis in Cows as Dairy and Subsistence Farming Systems

M.A. Rahman
Directorate of Livestock Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh

S.M.A. Rauf
Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Rajshahi University

M.U. Ahmed
Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was conducted on a total of 310 cows belonging to 40 farms at Baghabari, Sirajgonj and 130 cows of 40 farms at Mymensingh region were selected as representatives of dairy and subsistence type farms, respectively. Mastitis related information was collected by using a formal questionnaire. Clinical mastitis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and confirmed by Strip Cup Test (SCT), while subclinical mastitis was detected by employing Modified White Side Test (MWST). The problems encountered at investigation with the prevalence of mastitis in both the farming systems were identified as factors relating to poor sanitary practices, faulty drainage system and waste disposal, unawareness of In udder health management, inadequate floor space and faulty treatment practices of mastitic udder either by owner themselves or by quack. In daily and subsistence type farmings the clinical mastitis was 9.4% and 7.7% and the subclinical mastitis was 45.1% and 35.4%, respectively. In both farming system, the prevalence of mastitis increased in relation to the increase in lactation stage. Similar increasing trend was observed of the prevalence of mastitis in relation to the increase in parities. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis both in dairy and subsistence type farms were found in the cows of Sahiwal crosses (48.8% and 38.5%) followed by Friesian crosses (44.8% and 36.0%), and local cows (40.7% and 34.8%), respectively. In both farming systems, of the affected cows, a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of the cows were suffering from subclinical mastitis only affecting 1 quarter rather than 2-, 3- or 4 quarters. Hind quarters were found more prone to mastitis than the fore quarters in cows in both types of farmings. It is suggested that the high prevalence of mastitis in the areas was mainly attributed to poor management and unhygienic milking practice. The farms owners are adviced to give proper attention in improving the current status of management and supportive treatment. Mastitis, subsistence farming, parity, period of lactation.

Keywords: Mastitis, Subsistence farming, Parity, Period of lactation

Location: Baghabari, Sirajgonj and Mymensingh region

Start Date: 00-00-2012

End Date: 00-00-2012

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cow

Objectives:

1. To study the prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis in cows under dairy and subsistence farming system, 2. To study the influence of various factors like breed, lactation stage and parity on the occurrence of mastitis in cows.

Methodology:

Selection of dairy herds, animals and their management: A total of 80 farms, 40 from each area, were randomly selected to perform the study. All the lactating cows of the farm were included in this investigation. A total of 440 cows of different ages and parities and of different lactation stages were subjected to examinations. Out of these lactating cows, 310 belonged to Baghabari, Milkshed area situated at Sirajgonj, and 130 were in Mymensingh area. The breeds of cows were local zebu, crosses of Friesian and Sahiwal in Mymensingh, while those in Baghabari milk-shed area, Sirajgonj were Friesian crosses, Sahiwal crosses and Pabna locals. In subsistence farming system, cows were housed at night and tethered during the day. Shifting the tethering site provided access to fresh grazing. In dairy farming system, both tie stall and loose barn housing systems were adopted. Farm visit: A survey was carried out to identify the problems associated with the occurrence of mastitis in the farms of the selected study areas. A door- to-door visit was made and questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on farm management practices, knowledge of mastitis and mastitis control measures. The informations obtained from questionnaire were recorded carefully at the site of interview. Diagnosis of mastitis (Detection of clinical mastitis): Clinical mastitis was detected by palpation of the udder or by visualization if turned hard, red or hot to the touch was noted. Palpation of the udder sometimes might be painful. On the basis of degree of infections, clinical mastitis was detected by strip cup test. By this method the physical examination of milk was performed. According to the Shpigel (2001), the milk of all four quarters was drawn and spreaded on a piece of black cloth. After waiting for 10 to 15 minutes the presence of any fibrous flakes, wateriness, bloodstains on the cloth considered as indication of mastitis. Detection of sub-clinical mastitis: Motlified White Side Test (MWST): The MWST was performed using 4 percent sodium hydroxide solution as the reagent. The test was conducted as follows: Five drops of milk was placed on a glass slide. Then one-drop of reagent was added and stirred for 20 seconds with a glass rod. Mastitis positive sample exhibited various degrees of flaking and thickening. Normal udder milk samples were free from flaking and thickening. The result was interpreted in naked eye (Fig. 1). According to opacity, thickness, particle size of coagulated materials the degree of MWST reactions were scored as follows: Negative, Trace (±), Moderate (+), Distinct (++), Strong (+++). Statistical analysis: Data obtained from the questionnaire and clinical and sub-clinical mastitis tests were entered into Microsoft Excel® work sheet. Prevalence was defined as the number of positive cases of mastitis per 100 cows tested. F-test was conducted to draw the interferences of the prevalence of mastitis of the cows in two different farming systems (MINITAB® 2000).

Source of Information: J. Agrofor. Environ. 6 (1): 51-55, 2012; ISSN 1995-6983

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Clinical mastitis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and confirmed by Strip Cup Test (SCT), while subclinical mastitis was detected by employing Modified White Side Test (MWST). The problems encountered at investigation with the prevalence of mastitis in both the farming systems were identified as factors relating to poor sanitary practices, faulty drainage system and waste disposal, unawareness of In udder health management, inadequate floor space and faulty treatment practices of mastitic udder either by owner themselves or by quack.

Knowledge Management: Journal